NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on "NFL GameDay Morning" that Nicks is not expected to return with Big Blue next season. His fate boils down to two factors: His disappointing play over the past two years, and a string of team-imposed fines.

Rapoport was told by multiple sources that Nicks has been fined several times by the Giants for two infractions. The first, for repeatedly being late; the second, for missing treatments. The fines, in general, were "in the thousands for each transgression," according to a team source.

Nicks isn't the only New York player who took a slap on the wrist this season, but his behavior in a contract year frustrated the Giants, according to Rapoport.

The fifth-year pass-catcher has battled injuries over the past two seasons and looked entirely average in 2013, failing to haul in a touchdown grab while averaging just 3.8 receptions per game. His lack of production made him the subject of trade whispers earlier this season, but that won't be necessary.